Holiday Gift Guide: Sacred Heart University 2025 Edition

JC Tetreault ’98 and his wife Esther launched Boston-based Trillium in 2013. Since the opening of the first taproom in Boston, this craft brewery has expanded to other Massachusetts locations and a distillery. But with the company’s online holiday gift guide, you can be anywhere to discover eclectic finds, from a knit Trillium beanie to Barrel-Aged Chocolate Covered Peanut Brittle. Based on your state, you could gift yourself or others with some of the brewery’s popular pours (or its spirits, seltzers and wine-infused brews). If not, pick up a gift card for your Boston-based friends or relatives or plan a trip to one of the taprooms for yourself.

Ania Catalano ’85, along with her husband, Joe, is co-owner of Joey C’s Boathouse, which opened in 2015 in Stratford. Ania Catalano is a chef, cookbook author and former owner of Sprouts Natural Foods Markets. The couple has created a varied menu that features dishes they describe as “clean comfort food,” and they regularly feature live entertainment. Why not pick up a gift card? You can find them online or at the restaurant, where you can also find some merch!

Jen Pantanella ’95, P ’28, is one of the co-owners of The Blind Rhino, a popular chain of restaurants that stretch from Milford to South Norwalk. The menu features a creative approach to its classic pub-style fare and nationally award-winning wings. Grab some gift cards online or at one of the locations and you are all set for game day! For the sports bar fashionistas in your life, you can find Blind Rhino merch online or in one of their brick-and-mortar locations.

While still a student at Sacred Heart, Darius Eftekhar ’25, launched Dleisurewear, a sportswear company rooted in the belief that growth comes through challenges—a motto Eftekhar lived while at SHU, navigating coursework while competing as a member of SHU’s varsity tennis team. This online store offers everything from accessories to performance-driven sportswear for men and women. For the person who prefers joggers to trousers, here’s your chance to pick up a great gift. SHU alumni, students and faculty can add a discount code SHU2025 when using the website.

In 1999, Christine (DeMarchis) Martinello and her family began a simple Christmas tradition: writing heartfelt love notes to one another and gathering to read them aloud. The experience was so meaningful that, in 2014, she felt called to share it. She created the Christmas Love Box and then the Original Love Box—beautifully designed keepsake boxes filled with note cards, books and instructions that help families, friends and groups create treasured keepsakes that last a lifetime. Now a full Love Box collection, these gifts are perfect for holidays, weddings, birthdays, milestones and everyday celebrations. You can learn more about Martinello’s story, while searching for your perfect “Love Box.”

Dania Morejon ’15 always knew her dream job would be to work in the beauty industry. Those early aspirations paved the way for her successful career as a master colorist and stylist, as well as the owner and CEO of Westport Hair & Co. This busy salon offers services to people of all ages, including women’s and men’s cuts, conditioning treatments, up-dos, blowouts and coloring. Do you know someone who’s looking for a glow up? Give them the gift of personalized hair care by purchasing a gift card available online or at Westport Hair & Co.

Chelsea VanDerheyden Olayos ’11 (a proud SHU Cheer alum) started The Fleurista, a made-to-order floral studio in 2021, in honor of her late husband, Jimmy Olayos, Jr. Since opening her Bergen Street studio in Brooklyn, New York, Olayos’ thoughtful and meaningful floral designs have been celebrated in digital and print publications. There are plenty of gift ideas on the shop’s website for store pick up. Or consider gifting someone special with The Fleurista’s Fresh Flower Friday subscription service, which honors Olayos’ late husband’s tradition of bringing home fresh flowers every Friday evening. It’s available for homes across Brooklyn and parts of Manhattan.

The SHU Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield offers something for everyone with its mix of films, live performances and thought-provoking talks. Grab a gift card, purchase tickets or consider a gift membership. Meanwhile, with holiday offerings at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, such as A Christmas Carol—an adaptation written by nationally recognized playwright and SHU alum Grace Caroline Curley ‘23 and starring acclaimed Broadway actor Eddie Korbich—and other productions throughout the year, a pair of tickets or a a gift subscription can make for a thoughtful gift.

Kevin Nealon ’75 holds not one, but two degrees from Sacred Heart, having graduated in 1975 and been awarded an honorary degree in 2022. This SNL alum is on tour in 2026, stopping in cities such as Seattle, Austin and Chicago. It’s the perfect gift for yourself or someone who would love a night of laughter if you both happen to live near one of the stops. If not, why not plan a trip in 2026 that includes a hearty dose of stand-up?

Here’s a way to gift an out-of-this-world experience to friends with younger children. You could consider gifting a membership to Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium. Beyond the “virtual starship” experience of a planetarium show, ongoing and special exhibitions (such as “Nesting With Dinosaurs”) and hands-on activities provide hours of entertainment. 

At the SHU Bookstore, you can find the threads that make any Pioneer, past or present, proud to show off their school spirit. Beyond clothes, you can pick up home décor items, electronics and other items to fit in a stocking or wrap for under the tree. Check the website for daily deals and specials, as well as information about holiday shipping deadlines and ordering online for free pickup. Gift cards also are available.

We couldn’t forget a perennial favorite: SHU’s top-notch sports program! Whether you are planning a trip back to campus or live close by, there is always a chance to cheer on our winning Pioneers during the holiday season, whether at the newly renovated William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center or the Martire Family Arena. Pick up some tickets for SHU basketball or hockey and make it an event with friends or fellow alumni, or gift them to a SHU fan in your life. Here’s a look at all of the upcoming SHU Athletic events.